Search

show me:

Security could cost Manly home NRL final

3 minute read

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg has threatened to bar Lottoland from hosting a final over security concerns after a Manly fan attempted to attack Will Chambers.

TODD GREENBERG, Chief Executive Officer of the National Rugby League looks on after the NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Canberra Raiders at AAMI Park in Melbourne, Australia.
TODD GREENBERG, Chief Executive Officer of the National Rugby League looks on after the NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Canberra Raiders at AAMI Park in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

The NRL has threatened to strip Lottoland of finals hosting rights unless Manly address security concerns after a Sea Eagles fan lashed out at Melbourne's Will Chambers.

Sea Eagles chairman Scott Penn said he was confident of resolving any issues and it would be unfair to deny the club the chance to host a play-off game at their spiritual home because of the actions of one fan.

The NRL integrity unit has launched an investigation after the ugly incident marred the Storm's 36-6 win over the Sea Eagles on Saturday night.

The incident highlighted the shortcomings at the ground as a fan wearing a Manly jersey attempted to reach through the players' tunnel to lash out at the Storm centre as he left the field after being sin binned.

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said that unless improvements were made to the northern beaches suburban venue, the Sea Eagles would not be allowed to host a finals game there.

"The behaviour we saw from a fan last night was completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our game," Greenberg said.

"I have asked the integrity unit to work with Manly and NSW Police so we can ensure the individual is dealt with in an appropriate fashion that meets community expectations.

"We have advised Manly that changes to the Lottoland ground must be made in order for the venue to meet the standard required to host an NRL final."

The Sea Eagles are in fifth and in the box seat to receive a home final heading into the final round.

The fan is facing a lifetime ban while NSW Police said a 37-year-old man was arrested but released pending further inquiries.

Usually the players' entrance from the dressingsheds to the field is protected by a retractable tunnel which is put in place as they run out, at halftime and fulltime.

However because Chambers was sin-binned, there appeared to be a delay in pulling it closed and there was a 1m gap between the public thoroughfare and the tunnel through which the fan tried to reach Chambers.

Since 2010, the NRL has forced Sydney clubs to move finals fixtures to larger stadiums to accommodate bigger crowds.

But the knock down of Allianz Stadium has prompted the NRL to relax the rules and week one finals will be able to be hosted at suburban grounds provided they meet certain criteria.

Penn was confident of Brookvale being right to host a final, adding it would be unfair to take it elsewhere because: "If it's not at Lottoland, then it's not a home game."

"There's certainly been positive dialogue thus far and everything that has been raised, we can deliver," Penn told AAP.

"The incident on Saturday night was regrettable but it was one individual making a poor decision.

"At the same time, he couldn't get to the player because our security guards were there."

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au